Designing Homes That Welcome Everyone: The Importance of Accessibility

With the government aiming to build 1.5 million homes during this parliament, we have a crucial opportunity to increase the stock of accessible homes. Good design isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s about anticipating life’s changes and creating homes that adapt with us.

Recently, my wife’s grandfather suffered a stroke. Now back home, he faces daily challenges due to poor accessibility — steps, awkward pathways, and the lack of dropped curbs turn his home into an obstacle course. Where a home should be a place of relaxation and safety, it can often become a place of discomfort and danger when life circumstances change. This experience isn’t unique. I’ve had two other grandparents suffer strokes, one of whom we cared for in a home that was never designed for reduced mobility. That house, an ex-council property, had no level access and no downstairs bathroom. It was not designed for a life that had changed.

Fast forward to today, and I see my colleagues at Barefoot Architects working on a new council housing development where accessibility is becoming an integral part of good design rather than a box-ticking exercise. A well-designed home should welcome everyone. Click here to read more on this project.

Understanding Part M and Why It Matters

Part M of the UK Building Regulations ensures buildings are accessible and usable by all, including disabled individuals. It sets standards for step-free access, door widths, circulation space, and sanitary facilities. Categories cover visitable, adaptable, and wheelchair-friendly homes, aiming to improve inclusivity in both residential and non-residential buildings.

By incorporating these features from the outset, we future-proof homes, reducing the emotional and financial burden of later adaptations. Thoughtful design allows people to remain comfortably in their homes even as life changes drastically.

Good Design Goes Beyond Compliance

With the government aiming to build 1.5 million homes this parliament, we have a crucial opportunity to increase the stock of accessible homes. Good design isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s about anticipating life’s changes and creating homes that adapt with us.

At Barefoot Architects, we embed adaptability into our designs from the start. Simple choices, like wider doorways, step-free thresholds, and ground-floor bathrooms, make homes functional for a lifetime. The beauty of accessibility is that it benefits everyone: whether pushing a pram, carrying luggage, or using a wheelchair, ease of movement enhances daily life. All these ideas were implemented at our Bridport Cohousing project, where simple changes make housing, everyone is welcome to.

The Time to Act is Now

If you’re planning a co-housing scheme, new build, renovation, or retrofit, now is the time to consider accessibility. Thoughtful design choices made today will ensure your home serves you well into the future. If a home only serves us well during the ‘perfect’ phase of life, then it was never truly the perfect home.

Level thresholds at Bridport make housing a level playing field for young and old